Media Advisory - Sheldon Kennedy and Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day among speakers at Children's Aid Foundation's second annual five14 Talks

In recognition of Ontario's Children and Youth in Care Day, five14 Talks will bring together community influencers and thought leaders in conversation to inspire change for children in Canada's child welfare system

TORONTO, May 13, 2016 /CNW/ - On Friday May 13, to coincide with Ontario's Children & Youth in Care Day, the Children's Aid Foundation is hosting five14 Talks – Talks to inspire change, an annual thought leadership forum devoted to exploring positive changes that can be made in meeting the needs and challenges faced by children and youth served by the child welfare system. Speakers will explore issues such as child abuse, aboriginal and LGBTQ issues with an audience including young people formerly in care, child welfare advocates, policy makers and philanthropists.

Moderated by MP Seamus O'Regan, forum delegates will also celebrate the strength and resiliency that youth in care continue to demonstrate while overcoming tremendous adversity in their lives. In Ontario, more than 23,000 children and youth are in the care of the child welfare system.

"Through a powerful exchange of ideas and new collaborations created, we can have a greater impact on the lives of vulnerable kids and youth involved in the child welfare system," says Valerie McMurtry, President & CEO, Children's Aid Foundation.

With the central theme of change, five speakers will be given 14 minutes to present their ideas, foster discussion and inspire change for future generations of children involved in the child welfare system, followed by a panel discussion.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY:

WHAT:	Interviews with young people formerly in care, speakers and attendees who are taking part in a thought leadership forum in honour of Ontario's Children & Youth in Care Day to explore positive change in meeting the needs of children and youth served by the child welfare system.
WHO:	Valerie McMurtry, President & CEO, Children's Aid Foundation Irwin Elman, Ontario's Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
	Seamus O'Regan, MP, returning for a second year as moderator
	Sheldon Kennedy, former NHL hockey player, will discuss his advocacy work and commitment to trauma-informed education and integrated practice to support healing and recovery for those traumatized by abuse
	Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day will discuss issues facing aboriginal children in care
	Violet-Rose Pharoah, arts-based administrator and a former youth in care, will share reflections on The Garbage Bag Challenge, a personal commitment to carrying a garbage bag for 365 days to raise awareness about the lack of luggage provided for children and youth in foster care and the emotional "unpacking"  children entering care face
	Nicholas Ugoalah, gold medal wrestler, entrepreneur and former youth in care, will share how his involvement in wrestling changed his trajectory and helped to shape his identity and self-confidence while in care
	Dr. Alex Abramovich, researcher at Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health will discuss his research on youth homelessness in the LGBTQ community and the impact for those in care who identify as LGBTQ
	Jane Kovarikova, child rights advocate who grew up in care, will discuss going beyond teaching youth in care to "survive" and instead teaching them how to survive their many successes.
WHEN:	Friday, May 13, 2016
	9:30 to 12:15 pm: five14 Talks speaker presentations and panels discussion moderated by Seamus O'Regan
	12:15 pm to 1:15 pm:  Interview opportunities with talk participants, former youth in care and Children's Aid Foundation spokespeople
WHERE:	Arcadian Loft, 8^th Floor
	401 Bay Street
	Toronto, ON   M4H 2Y4

About the Children's Aid Foundation
The Children's Aid Foundation is Canada's leading charity dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth in the child welfare system. With the support of generous corporate, foundation and individual donors, we have been helping children reach their potential against all odds since 1979. Join us and help some of the most vulnerable kids in Canada overcome traumas of the past and rebuild stability, self-worth and a sense of life's possibilities. Learn more at www.cafdn.org .

SOURCE Children's Aid Foundation

Lisa Lipkin, [email protected], 416-988-4189